District Newsletter

The Pride

The Pride exists to update, celebrate, and inform, the community concerning weekly events at Willard R-II

December 8, 2008

Willard R-II Central Office Missouri State Standards dictate a philosophy of continued improvement in public schools. I agree with this philosophy personally and as a superintendent. But if it was easy every school would be doing it! Willard Schools is very specific when it comes to improvement. Our goal is to identify areas for improvement as specifically as possible. If possible we identify a method of measurement which can be used to determine success. This planned improvement is called a CSIP. (Comprehensive School Improvement Plan) The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education does not specify how this plan is constructed. I have seen CSIP plans that are 50+ pages in length. The keys to any plan is whether it is clear, communicated, and implemented. My philosophy is to pinpoint areas of improvement and achieve success. A 50 page CSIP plan may look impressive but if it sets on a shelf because it is impossible to achieve it helps no one. The Willard District CSIP is 1 page in length. It outlines several objectives organized beneath our four district goals. Each of our buildings also has a plan of improvement specific for their building. All plans are communicated with staff and approved by the Board of Education. Basically if you know where you intend to go you have a much improved chance at arriving!

The Willard R-2 District 2008-09 CSIP Plan has been approved by the Board of Education. To view the plan, please click on the following link. <http://www.willard.k12.mo.us/co/csip0809.pdf>http://www.wil lard.k12.mo.us/co/csip0809.pdf

Hope everyone has a great week!

16 days to Christmas!!!!

Kent

Dr. Kent E. Medlin Superintendent of Schools

Director of Activities Congratulations to the Speech and Debate Team. Among 31 schools at the Chrisman High School Novice Tournament, Kaelyn Allen and Haiden Bowman advanced in Duo Interpretation, and went on to take 5th place. Kaelyn Allen also advanced in poetry reading. Among 41 schools at the Truman High School Varsity Tournament, Brittaney Dunn advanced in Dramatic Interpretation and Tyler Onstott advanced in Student Congress Debate.

Congratulations to the following football players for their post season honors. Brian Daehling: Unanimous first team, Linebacker, all conference, first team, Linebacker, all district. Justin Cobb: 2nd Team ,Tight End, all conference, 2nd Team ,Tight End, all district, Honorable mention, Defensive end All district Bryce Harris: 2nd Team Wide Receiver, All district and all Conference. Ryan Barker: 2nd Team Running Back, All District and all Conference. Andy Gomes: Honorable Mention Defensive Back, All District and All Conference. Garrett Mayfield: Honorable Mention Linebacker, All District

A heartfelt "Thank you" to the following: Julie Hartley - you are awesome! Terry Hession - I gained 10 pounds last week! Jolene Welsh Chris Church and Jazz 1 - loved the theme to "The Office" Victoria Meraz and Jazz 2 Mark Lawley and his choir students - the national anthem was awesome! Scott Wooldridge Garry Highfill Debbie Mann Del Holderbaum Jason Steele Stan Miller Mike Graves The entire football staff for working the concession stand - I think they ate more than they sold! Judy Scroggs - not sure why I'm thanking her since she gives me so much grief! Ed Hammers, Amy Fletcher, Brad England, and Brandon Thedell - cleaning up after thousands of people is not easy! Stewart Pratt Scott and Jill Cook - mainly Jill ! Eric Ramsey Travis Evans and Dusty Killingsworth - your teams played their hearts out! A special congrats to the boy's team on winning the sportsmanship award! Travis and Dusty's staff for putting up with them last week. Pamela Goldschmidt and her cheerleaders - what a class group of athletes! Lori Schultz and the Tigerettes Kelly Staley - you can imagine why! All other hosts and community volunteers who help make the Four-State so successful.

As you can tell, it takes many people to make last week happen. I have probably forgot someone but I'll make sure to thank them later. Jeff Staley, Director of Operations

Special Services The special services department has had some assistance in cutting down the referrals due to a Student Intervention Team (SIT) at Willard Central. This team started last year , and has made great progress toward the goal of helping the teachers with new, effective interventions to use in their classrooms. This team was started because of RtI (Response to Intervention), which is a process implemented to improve the learning of all students. The SIT is primarily run by regular educators, and their purpose is to assist teachers in creating interventions that are matched to a particular student's need. In being a member of this team at WC, I have seen how well the process works, and how receptive both teachers and parents have been to the process. There are teams all over the district that have started, and have made great gains with this new way of thinking. Thanks to all of them for doing what's best for kids! Janet Turner, Process Coordinator

Willard High School This week in the HS Pride I would like to take a few minutes and inform you of a very special evening. On November 25th , Willard School District hosted the Grand Opening ceremony for the new Vocational Agricultural building. Board of Education President, Caroline Puckett began the evening by thanking the patrons for the support of Willard students. Former and current Board of Education members joined in to cut the Blue and Gold ribbon ( FFA colors ) to signify the official opening of the building. The Agricultural program began in the late 1930's and continues due to the instrumental leadership of early Ag Education teachers. We were blessed with the presence of former Ag Teachers , Darryl Cathy ( The 2nd Willard Ag Teacher ) and James Tucker ( representing his father D.J. Tucker ), Larry Smith , and Eddie Lindsey. Also attending were several American FFA Degree recipients. A big "Thank You" to FFA / Ag Students and instructors Dana Kimmons and Steven Prewitt for a great evening of celebration. Stewart Pratt, Principal

Willard Middle School This week at Willard Middle School was full once again. All basketball teams and the wrestling squad were in action, with the cheerleaders keeping everyone into the games as well. The band and choir are making final preparations for their upcoming concerts, and a group of students made it through the tryouts and are getting ready for the talent show coming up as well. Mrs. Damron's Spanish class made a trip down to Webb City this week, and enjoyed a concert event featuring Justo Lamas. It was such a success, we are already looking at going again next year. The Snowflake Dance will be held tonight (Friday Dec. 5th) and we look forward to around 200 kids enjoying a fun night with friend , food, and music. The Middle School production of Aladdin will be next Friday and Saturday evenings starting at 7pm. We invite everyone who can to come out and be amazed at what these kids can do. Finally, we want to remind everyone about the Grandparents Tea, which will be held next Friday (Dec. 12) from 9:15 - 10:50am. This is always a great time, and the kids really enjoy having family come and be part of what they are doing here at school. Two more weeks until Christmas break, so we will be busy with many things. Our hope is that we can all work together to finish first semester strong, and be proud to show off those grade cards when the time comes. Thanks for checking on us, and enjoy the week and stay warm. :) Tom Merriott Asst. Principal

SUCCESS Administrator We would like to announce that the Kevin Umlauf Foundation has graciously chosen the Willard SUCCESS Program as the recipient of 3 new off-road bicycles along with accessories. This donation to the SUCCESS Program will add another dimension to our hands-on curriculum as well as introducing our students to a healthy hobby. We are extremely grateful for this generous gift. Josh Ladd, SUCCESS Administrator

Willard Intermediate School WIS hopes everyone had a restful and filling Thanksgiving. The cold mornings and holiday decorations remind us that the holiday break is just around the corner. The time of the school year between Thanksgiving and Christmas break always goes by so fast. The many activities going on in the building make this even more true. Here are a few to take note of:

-Our Salvation Army red kettle drive continues. It is great to hear the bells ringing and see change (a cash!) going in to them each morning. -WIS is again sponsoring our donation Christmas tree. Students are encouraged to bring in a new hat, scarf, or pair of gloves to help others in need to decorate our tree with! -Title 1 Reading night Tuesday Dec. 9th from 6-7:30 pm -Student Council Holiday school store will be open Dec. 16th-18th. Students will be able to purchase holiday gifts for family and friends. -Our PTO cookie dough fund raiser was a huge success again. Thanks so much for your support! The cookie dough will be available for pick up on Dec. 18th from 3:30-6:00 or on Dec. 19th during the school day. -Our 5th grade students will be traveling to Springfield on Friday Dec. 19th for a concert at Hammons Hall on the MSU campus. -Our 2nd quarter iChoose assembly will take place on Dec. 19th at 1:20 for 5th graders and 2:00 for 6th graders. Our big prizes this quarter are $50 visa gift cards to help with those holiday gift purchases. Class iChoose stores will take place after their assembly. -Classroom holiday parties will be on Dec. 19th at the end of the day. Parents are encouraged to contact homeroom teachers if they are interested in helping with these. Tom Davis, Principal

Willard Central Elementary I hope everyone had a memorable and blessed Thanksgiving with family and friends. Congratulations to Mrs. Pyle on the birth of their second child, Callie Jo, on the 27th.

2008 is quickly winding down, but we have a lot of activities and learning taking place at WC. As we look to the next few weeks, please remember the following December dates:

8th PTO Meeting at 6:00

9th Family Reading Night 6:00-7:00 We will celebrate reading A Dog Called Kitty with many wonderful activities.

11th 2nd Grade Music Program 7:00

19th End of 2nd Quarter, Community Time Christmas Festivities, Christmas Parties in classrooms at 2:45

Dec 22nd - Jan 2nd Christmas Break No School

Have a great week and we hope you can join us for all of the festivities. Shane Medlin, Principal

Willard East Elementary Please join us Tuesday night from 4PM - 10PM at the Texas Roadhouse restaurant off of James River Expressway. 10% of the proceeds generated by Willard customers will be given back to our school. There will kid-friendly events so come and join in the fun for a good cause.

Today is our 2nd "Hat's on for Community Service" at Willard East. Any student wearing a hat donated $.25. Our community service project this month is our Holiday Food and Toy drive hosted by our Student Council.

Please be sure to check in with your child's teacher regarding your winter holiday party. Willard East party date is Friday December 19th at times designated by each teacher. Melinda Miller, Principal

Willard North Elementary This week at Willard North the faculty, staff and students witnessed a proposal of the best kind! Miss Heather Potts, who teaches 4th grade received her marriage proposal on the stage, in the cafeteria, in front of all the students! Congratulations to Heather and her fiancee Sam Johnson. Christmas Around the World has started in first and second grade. Nothing like spreading out the holiday cheer! We have lots of things going on! Have a wonderful weekend!! Rhonda Bishop, Principal

Willard South Elementary I always love this time of year at school. You can see and hear the excitement in the hallways. Students and teachers alike join in on the holiday activities. Our FACT cadre held their annual Make-It Take-It Night on Thursday evening. Everyone enjoyed decorating sugar cookies, creating a special ornament out of recycled materials and a special appearance from a cheery someone wearing a red suit! A BIG THANK you to everyone who helped with this wonderful event.

Next week we are looking forward to "A Holiday Moosical" performed by our very talented second graders. They will be performing on Tuesday, December 9th at 2:30 and 7:00. We hope you are able to attend this festive performance. Kara Crighton-Smith, Principal

For information on the Willard Children's Charitable Foundation, please contact Judy Craig at 742-2506 or Dr. Kent Medlin at 742-2584.

Willard Parks and Recreation would like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! Willard Parks and Recreation would like to encourage everyone to participate in all that we have going on.

Park Names: The City of Willard Parks now have official names, they are:

Jackson Street Park: Located at 220 West Jackson Highline Soccer Park: Located 8326 West Farm Road 64 Willard Sports Complex: Located at 133 North State Hwy Z Miller Farm Park: Located on Farm Road

The Willard Alderman voted on these names at the Monday November 24th meeting.

New Poll at <http://www.cityofwillard.org>www.cityofwillard.org: Help Willard Parks and Recreation pick an official slogan for our Department. Log on to <http://www.cityofwillard.org>www.cityofwillard.org and vote.

New Parks and Recreation Program Guide: Willard Parks and Recreation is in the process of putting together our spring program guide. This guide will be filled with news and events of 2009. Stop by the Recreation Center in late December to pick up a copy. Use this guide to keep up with everything that Willard Parks and Recreation is offering from January June 2009.

New Parks and Recreation Website:

Visit Willard's new Parks and Recreation website at <http://www.willardparks.com>www.willardparks.com

Upcoming Sports Registrations: Don't miss these exciting sports seasons!!

Youth Basketball Session 2 Registration: December 1st - 31st Ages: Pre K 8th Fee: $35

Youth Cheerleading Session 2 Registration: December 1st - 31st Ages; K 8th

Adult Basketball Registration: December 1st - 31st Ages: 18 and Older Fee: $200

Competitive Basketball Registration: December 1st - 31st Ages: 3rd 8th Fee: $200 in town teams and $225 for out of town teams

Registration forms for these sports are available now at the Willard Recreation Center.

Willard Senior Citizens: Willard Parks and Recreation will be offering games on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00pm - 3:00pm at the Recreation Center beginning January 6th for seniors. All seniors are invited to attend. Games include bingo, cards, dominos and much more. The game days are free to attend.

Willard Basketball Camp: January 10th Dont miss the first ever Willard Parks and Recreation / Willard High School Basketball Camp. The Willard High School Basketball Team will be hosting the camp. Fees are $25 per participant. Camp times are 9:00am 12:00pm for ages K -2nd and 1:00pm 4:00pm for ages 3rd- 6th. The camp will be held at the Willard Recreation Center. Enjoy a great camp hosted by local athletes. Proceeds will benefit Willard High School Sports Department & Willard Parks and Recreation. The deadline to register is Monday January 5th, 2009. For more information please contact (417)742-2262.

Mark Your Calendar: City of Willard Outing to the Springfield Cardinals Game is June 4th, 2009. Tickets go on sale May 1st, 2009.

Golf Scramble: At the Willard Green Hills Country Club on Friday May 8th at 1:00pm (shotgun start). Fees are $50 per person or $200 per team

A Healthy You in 2009 Willard Parks and Recreation will be hosting a free Health Fair entitled A Healthy You in 2009. The Health Fair will take place on Saturday January 17th from 10:00am 1:00pm at the Willard Recreation Center. All ages are welcome to come. Booths include Sanders Chiropractic, Preferred Hearing Care, Missouri Extension Office, Cox Fitness, Humana and many more. Kick off the New Year the Healthy way. Come to A Healthy You in 2009. For more information please contact (417)742-2262.

Valentine Dance: Come to the Willard Recreation Center on Saturday February 7th for the 2009 Valentine Day Dance. The dance will be held from 7:00pm - 10:00pm. Adults and children of all ages can attend. Music played will be everything from 50s music to modern music. The dance is free to attend and concessions will be available.

Out of School Camp: Willard Parks and Recreation will be hosting an out of school camp on Monday, January 19th from 7:00am - 6:00pm. The entire days camp will be held at the Recreation Center. The fee to attend is $17.50. The camp is open for grades K 6th. A snack lunch must be brought to the camp. Registration for the camp ends Thursday January 15th.

Willards 2009 First Movie in the Park: Willard Parks and Recreation will be hosting its first Movie in the Park night of 2009 on Saturday March 28th. The movie will be showing at Jackson Street Park at 7:00pm. The event is free to attend and hamburgers and hotdogs will be available.

Baseball/Softball Field Renovations: Through a grant from the Kansas City Royals, Willard Parks and Recreation will be renovating the Willard Baseball/Softball Complex. The renovation is expected to begin in February 2009. For official plans please visit the Willard Recreation Center in January 2009.

Willard Parks and Recreation Holiday Activities: Winter Camp Registration: November 17th December 12th

Are you looking for a place for your child to go during the Winter Break? Sign them up for the Willard Parks and Recreation Winter Camp. Registration will be held November 17th - December 12th. The camp days are December 22, 23,26,29,30 2008 & January 2, 2009. Ages accepted will be K 6th grade and the fee is $95.00 for the entire week or $17.50 per day. Campers will need a snack lunch each day. Registration for the camp ends December 12th. For more information please contact (417) 742-2262. Registration packets are available now at the Willard Recreation Center.

Christmas at the Willard Recreation Center: Come to the Willard Recreation Center on Saturday December 13th for Christmas in Willard 2008. The days activities include the movie Polar Express at 4:00pm and Dr. Seuss How the Grinch Stole Christmas at 6:15pm. The movies will be showing in the big gym. In the small gym, kids can get their picture taken with Santa (free to meet Santa and pictures are $2). Also come and participate in the Willard Silent Auction (auction items includes sports memorabilia, tickets to area attractions, free meals, etc) and participate in the Willard Bake Sale. All proceeds from the Auction and Bake sale will go toward renovating the Willard Baseball Complex. The Recreation Center is opening at 3:45pm and the activities begin. Don't miss the first Christmas in Willard Celebration on Saturday December 13th.

New Years Bash: What's New in the New Year: Come to the Willard Recreation Center on Saturday December 27th at 6:30pm for Willard's New Year Bash. We will be serving a full plate of spaghetti for only $4 for adults and $2 for children 12 & under. Bring your entire family and eat for cheap. The food will be cooked by the staff of the Willard Parks and Recreation Department. At 7:15pm, sit back and enjoy a short presentation of City / Parks and Recreation News and Events of 2009 entitled Whats New in the New Year for Willard? The dinner and presentation will take place at the Willard Recreation Center. Get your advance tickets at the Recreation Center or just show up the night of the event.

If you have questions about any of these activities please contact us at (417)742-2262.

Thanks,

Kevin McDonald Parks and Recreation Director City of Willard 417-742-2262

<mailto:parkdir@cityofwillard.org>parkdir@cityofwillard.org

++++++++++++++++ Bob Andrus, Technology Director Willard R-II School District